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24 Sep, 2015 by Nancy
Stephen Owen Summer is a smart, fair-minded attorney who has given us excellent care with regard to wills, incorporation, and then dissolving a corporation. He is very responsive and quick to return phone calls. We feel lucky to have him in our corner.
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20 Mar, 2009 by Anonymous
Superb knowledge of law. Excellent advice. Terrific results.
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01 Dec, 2015 by Anonymous
Worth every penny! I could not have gotten better representation at any price. I work in child support and had gotten used to the idea that 94% of the time the Mother gets Managing conservatorship. I'm a Dad and Lawrence assured me that 94% is not the case when Dad does what's in the best interest of his daughter. Lawrence was always well prepared, from the beginning issues, with CPS, through entry of an agreed order, Lawrence gave me sound advice and settled my nerves. I have recommended Lawrence to colleagues, friends and will continue to do so. I am both humbled and thankful for Lawrence's representation.
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22 Dec, 2016 by Omar & amy
My wife was facing 4 felonies, Mr. Bacon in my opinion went out of his way to get her the best plea deal possible, she was only convicted of 1 charge out if thone 4 & that was for failure to render aide. Mr. Bacon showed a lot of care & openly talked to me about her case at all the court hearing and I believe defended her the with the best outcome possible even though he was court appointed he did better thenow most paid attorneys would. Thank you Mr. Bacon for all your help. Omar & Amy
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09 Sep, 2024 by Tamara dehay
Ben Carrasco is a rare find. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is tough, smart, responsive, and ethical. I hired him after being served modification papers in a very contentious situation, and I appreciated his candor, empathy, and expertise throughout the whole process. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to make smart decisions. Knowing that he was in my corner made me feel confident that I would get the very best outcome possible. His billing practices are also fair and transparent, which was a very different experience for me as compared to previous attorneys I've worked with. Bills from Ben included only charges that I actually recognized, rather than being padded with all the extra charges I recall seeing from previous attorneys. If I ever need a family law attorney again, I will immediately call Ben. If you need a family law attorney, don't even hesitate. He's the best.
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20 Aug, 2024 by John f. bragan md, facep
I was extremely satisfied with the services provided by Barbara Gardner. I recently encountered a misunderstanding with the Texas Medical Board, which was efficiently and professionally resolved. Barbara is highly knowledgeable about complex medical issues and related state and federal laws. She is an exceptional attorney, extremely perceptive, and eminently qualified to handle any comprehensive medico-legal issue. I would unreservedly recommend Barbara for her invaluable guidance and expert advice.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Efren diaz
Great law firm to work with! Highly recommend
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09 Sep, 2024 by Tamara dehay
Ben Carrasco is a rare find. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is tough, smart, responsive, and ethical. I hired him after being served modification papers in a very contentious situation, and I appreciated his candor, empathy, and expertise throughout the whole process. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to make smart decisions. Knowing that he was in my corner made me feel confident that I would get the very best outcome possible. His billing practices are also fair and transparent, which was a very different experience for me as compared to previous attorneys I've worked with. Bills from Ben included only charges that I actually recognized, rather than being padded with all the extra charges I recall seeing from previous attorneys. If I ever need a family law attorney again, I will immediately call Ben. If you need a family law attorney, don't even hesitate. He's the best.
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20 Aug, 2024 by John f. bragan md, facep
I was extremely satisfied with the services provided by Barbara Gardner. I recently encountered a misunderstanding with the Texas Medical Board, which was efficiently and professionally resolved. Barbara is highly knowledgeable about complex medical issues and related state and federal laws. She is an exceptional attorney, extremely perceptive, and eminently qualified to handle any comprehensive medico-legal issue. I would unreservedly recommend Barbara for her invaluable guidance and expert advice.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Efren diaz
Great law firm to work with! Highly recommend
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09 Sep, 2024 by Tamara dehay
Ben Carrasco is a rare find. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is tough, smart, responsive, and ethical. I hired him after being served modification papers in a very contentious situation, and I appreciated his candor, empathy, and expertise throughout the whole process. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to make smart decisions. Knowing that he was in my corner made me feel confident that I would get the very best outcome possible. His billing practices are also fair and transparent, which was a very different experience for me as compared to previous attorneys I've worked with. Bills from Ben included only charges that I actually recognized, rather than being padded with all the extra charges I recall seeing from previous attorneys. If I ever need a family law attorney again, I will immediately call Ben. If you need a family law attorney, don't even hesitate. He's the best.
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20 Aug, 2024 by John f. bragan md, facep
I was extremely satisfied with the services provided by Barbara Gardner. I recently encountered a misunderstanding with the Texas Medical Board, which was efficiently and professionally resolved. Barbara is highly knowledgeable about complex medical issues and related state and federal laws. She is an exceptional attorney, extremely perceptive, and eminently qualified to handle any comprehensive medico-legal issue. I would unreservedly recommend Barbara for her invaluable guidance and expert advice.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Efren diaz
Great law firm to work with! Highly recommend
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09 Sep, 2024 by Tamara dehay
Ben Carrasco is a rare find. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is tough, smart, responsive, and ethical. I hired him after being served modification papers in a very contentious situation, and I appreciated his candor, empathy, and expertise throughout the whole process. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to make smart decisions. Knowing that he was in my corner made me feel confident that I would get the very best outcome possible. His billing practices are also fair and transparent, which was a very different experience for me as compared to previous attorneys I've worked with. Bills from Ben included only charges that I actually recognized, rather than being padded with all the extra charges I recall seeing from previous attorneys. If I ever need a family law attorney again, I will immediately call Ben. If you need a family law attorney, don't even hesitate. He's the best.
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20 Aug, 2024 by John f. bragan md, facep
I was extremely satisfied with the services provided by Barbara Gardner. I recently encountered a misunderstanding with the Texas Medical Board, which was efficiently and professionally resolved. Barbara is highly knowledgeable about complex medical issues and related state and federal laws. She is an exceptional attorney, extremely perceptive, and eminently qualified to handle any comprehensive medico-legal issue. I would unreservedly recommend Barbara for her invaluable guidance and expert advice.
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star star star star star
16 Jul, 2024 by Efren diaz
Great law firm to work with! Highly recommend
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09 Sep, 2024 by Tamara dehay
Ben Carrasco is a rare find. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is tough, smart, responsive, and ethical. I hired him after being served modification papers in a very contentious situation, and I appreciated his candor, empathy, and expertise throughout the whole process. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to make smart decisions. Knowing that he was in my corner made me feel confident that I would get the very best outcome possible. His billing practices are also fair and transparent, which was a very different experience for me as compared to previous attorneys I've worked with. Bills from Ben included only charges that I actually recognized, rather than being padded with all the extra charges I recall seeing from previous attorneys. If I ever need a family law attorney again, I will immediately call Ben. If you need a family law attorney, don't even hesitate. He's the best.
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star star star star star
20 Aug, 2024 by John f. bragan md, facep
I was extremely satisfied with the services provided by Barbara Gardner. I recently encountered a misunderstanding with the Texas Medical Board, which was efficiently and professionally resolved. Barbara is highly knowledgeable about complex medical issues and related state and federal laws. She is an exceptional attorney, extremely perceptive, and eminently qualified to handle any comprehensive medico-legal issue. I would unreservedly recommend Barbara for her invaluable guidance and expert advice.
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star star star star star
16 Jul, 2024 by Efren diaz
Great law firm to work with! Highly recommend
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star star star star star
09 Sep, 2024 by Tamara dehay
Ben Carrasco is a rare find. I can't recommend him highly enough. He is tough, smart, responsive, and ethical. I hired him after being served modification papers in a very contentious situation, and I appreciated his candor, empathy, and expertise throughout the whole process. He doesn't sugarcoat anything, but he will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to make smart decisions. Knowing that he was in my corner made me feel confident that I would get the very best outcome possible. His billing practices are also fair and transparent, which was a very different experience for me as compared to previous attorneys I've worked with. Bills from Ben included only charges that I actually recognized, rather than being padded with all the extra charges I recall seeing from previous attorneys. If I ever need a family law attorney again, I will immediately call Ben. If you need a family law attorney, don't even hesitate. He's the best.
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star star star star star
20 Aug, 2024 by John f. bragan md, facep
I was extremely satisfied with the services provided by Barbara Gardner. I recently encountered a misunderstanding with the Texas Medical Board, which was efficiently and professionally resolved. Barbara is highly knowledgeable about complex medical issues and related state and federal laws. She is an exceptional attorney, extremely perceptive, and eminently qualified to handle any comprehensive medico-legal issue. I would unreservedly recommend Barbara for her invaluable guidance and expert advice.
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16 Jul, 2024 by Efren diaz
Great law firm to work with! Highly recommend
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13 Apr, 2024 by Frank m
DON'T USE THIS FIRM. Barbara Lipscomb took $5000 from me to retain a medical expert. The check got lost in the mail, and the doctor expert was never retained, although I was billed for half of the retainer for said expert. The check floated around in the mail for six months, appearing just the day after my case had settled. When I needed the doctor's evidence to produce at a hearing, I was informed that the doctor never did any work, so there was no evidence. If the doctor had done no work, I was owed a full refund of my retainer for the expert, not half. The problem was that previously, when it appeared my case was settled, I was told the doctor had used half my retainer and refunded half at that time. It was months later, I found out that the doctor had no evidence because the doctor had never gotten the retainer. So I caught Barbara in a lie, which she covered up by stating that my retainer wasn't $5000; it was only the amount I was charged. Basically, she lied and kept $2300 for work that was never done. I wrote the BAR, and Barbara falsified her records to cover the handling of the retainer, yet in the documents, there is an email from Barbara to another attorney where she states, "I just got a check in the mail for $5000. What do you want to do with it?" It clearly refuted her statement that the retainer was only the amount I was charged, but the BAR naturally sided with her. The probate court in Austin is corrupt, and Guy Herman is the worst. Their day of burial will come, and they will answer for every penny and be denied their inheritance like I was. Shame on you, Barbara. You get people at a moment of loss and kick them while they're down. They have been unresponsive to my request to pay me my full retainer.
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02 Dec, 2023 by Harry varnis (harold)
Google Maps
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09 Nov, 2023 by Rick mcmaster
Thorough and professional.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What a Business Lawyer Can Do for You

A business lawyer provides critical legal guidance and support to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. Whether you are forming a new company, drafting contracts, or navigating complex regulations, a business attorney ensures you are legally protected and operating within the law. They can also help prevent legal disputes or represent you in negotiations, transactions, or lawsuits that arise during the course of business operations.

Business lawyers have expertise in areas such as business formation, contract law, intellectual property, employment law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance. They ensure that your business is compliant with relevant laws and help mitigate risks that could threaten your company's success.

When Should I Hire a Business Lawyer?

Hiring a business lawyer is essential at various stages of business development, including:

  • Forming a business: When deciding on the best structure for your company (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.), a lawyer can guide you through the registration and compliance process.
  • Drafting contracts: If you need contracts for employees, partners, suppliers, or clients, a lawyer ensures these documents are legally sound and in your best interest.
  • Mergers, acquisitions, or dissolutions: If you are buying, selling, or dissolving a company, legal counsel is critical to avoid costly mistakes.
  • Compliance and regulatory issues: A lawyer can help navigate complex regulations, particularly in industries like healthcare, finance, or tech.
  • Resolving disputes: Whether it's contract disagreements, intellectual property infringement, or employment issues, a business lawyer helps mediate, negotiate, or litigate on your behalf.

What Does a Business Lawyer Do?

Business lawyers provide a wide range of services that cater to different legal needs of a business. They can:

  • Help you choose the best legal structure for your business.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate contracts with employees, suppliers, customers, or business partners.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
  • Advise on tax strategies to minimize your business's tax burden.
  • Assist with intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
  • Handle mergers, acquisitions, and business sales, ensuring all legal paperwork is in order.
  • Resolve disputes through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation.

How Are Business Lawyers Paid?

Business lawyers typically charge either by the hour or on a flat-fee basis, depending on the complexity of the work. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rates: The lawyer charges based on the time spent working on your case. Rates vary depending on the lawyer's experience and location.
  • Flat fees: For certain tasks, such as incorporating a business or drafting a standard contract, a lawyer may offer a flat fee.
  • Retainer: Some businesses may hire a lawyer on retainer, paying a fixed amount each month to have ongoing access to legal services.

The payment structure is often discussed during an initial consultation so you can choose the one that best suits your business needs and budget.

How Much Does a Business Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a business lawyer depends on factors such as:

  • The complexity of the legal issue: More complex matters, like mergers or intellectual property disputes, typically cost more than routine tasks like contract drafting.
  • The lawyer's experience and location: More experienced lawyers or those in larger cities often charge higher fees.
  • The nature of the billing arrangement: Hourly rates can range from $150 to $1,000 or more, depending on the lawyer's expertise. Flat fees are usually available for simpler matters like forming an LLC or drafting a standard contract.

It's essential to discuss fee structures upfront to avoid surprises.

Top Questions to Ask a Business Lawyer

Before hiring a business lawyer, ask the following questions during your consultation:

  1. What is your experience with businesses like mine?
    Find out if the lawyer has handled legal issues for companies in your industry.
  2. What services do you offer?
    Ensure the lawyer can meet all your business's legal needs, from contract drafting to dispute resolution.
  3. What are your fees, and how do you bill?
    Get clarity on how you'll be charged - whether by the hour, flat fee, or retainer.
  4. How do you handle conflicts of interest?
    Ask how the lawyer ensures there is no conflict in representing your business.
  5. Can you provide references from other business clients?
    Speaking with past clients will give you an idea of the lawyer's expertise and professionalism.
  6. Do you have experience in my specific industry?
    Industry-specific knowledge can be crucial, especially in highly regulated fields like healthcare or finance.

How to Check the Credibility of a Business Lawyer

To ensure you're hiring a reputable business lawyer:

  • Check state bar association records: Verify that the lawyer is in good standing and has no disciplinary actions against them.
  • Look for client reviews or testimonials: Online reviews, testimonials, or word of mouth from other business owners can provide insight into the lawyer's reliability and effectiveness.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should have satisfied clients who can vouch for their services.
  • Check professional memberships: Membership in respected legal organizations (such as the American Bar Association or a local business lawyer association) can signal credibility.
  • Review their website and professional profile: A well-established lawyer typically has a professional website showcasing their areas of expertise, credentials, and case success.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most out of your first consultation with a business lawyer, prepare the following:

  • A description of your business and its structure: This will help the lawyer understand your legal needs.
  • Any current contracts or agreements: If you're seeking contract advice, bring copies of existing contracts.
  • A list of legal issues or concerns: Be ready to discuss any potential legal challenges, such as regulatory compliance, disputes, or transactions.
  • Financial documents: If applicable, bring financial records related to the legal matter you're seeking help with.
  • Questions about fees and billing: Ensure you understand the lawyer’s payment structure and fees upfront.

By preparing these materials, you can ensure that your first meeting with a business lawyer is productive and informative.

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